In Ohio, there is a venue that is right for your business and its events
By Noah Tong
For every business seeking to rent a venue for their corporate event, there exists a venue that perfectly suits the needs of their clients. Luckily for everyone involved, Ohio has a vast collection of unique venues that businesses across the state are sure to value greatly.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1975, Cincinnati’s Music Hall is home to the renowned Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, May Festival and Cincinnati Ballet. For businesses looking to immerse themselves in a legendary venue where the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and Prince have performed, Cincinnati Music Hall can also be home to a memorable corporate function.
“Cincinnati’s Music Hall is among Cincinnati’s most recognizable and beloved buildings,” says Beth Troendly, rental manager at Music Hall. “It is a very dramatic and unique venue, and not a typical meeting space.”
Not typical, indeed. In the past, Music Hall programming has included sporting events, traditional exhibits, circuses and even speaking appearances from President Theodore Roosevelt and President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Today, Music Hall resides in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, and across the street from Washington Park, with no shortage of events to keep audiences entertained. Apart from year-round shows and performances, Music Hall receives weekly requests for business gatherings such as fundraisers, receptions and meetings. The premier venue is just one reason why Music Hall is a terrific venue for a business event.
“Each of our functions are customized for our client’s request,” Troendly explains. “We have a very talented, professional and hospitable staff at all levels. Providing an exceptional guest experience is extremely important.”
Guests can expect top customer service at any of the venue’s rental spaces. Need to accommodate hundreds of people for your cocktail reception or formal dinner? The Music Hall Ballroom or Foyer is an excellent option. Looking to organize a small, comfortable gathering? The P&G Founders Room is a furnished reception area that sits 30 people. Corbett Tower, Wilks Studio and Taft Suite also provide businesses spacious alternatives to give each business the memorable event they desire.
There’s no shortage of rental spaces at Music Hall for businesses to consider. That’s why Troendly thinks it is a good idea for businesses to do their research before deciding to book.
“We encourage interested clients to speak with our staff, not only to get a better idea of our venues and the services we provide, but also to allow our staff to ask the client questions about their event they may not have considered,” she says. “It is also important to get date availability upfront, as our spaces book very quickly due to demand.
“When possible, it is always recommended that clients see the spaces in person to get a better idea and feel for the spaces,” Troendly continues.
To assist clients, Cincinnati Music Hall handles the “booking, event management, housekeeping, concessions and bar service,” she says. “We also provide ticketing services if required.”
There’s no shortage of fantastic locations as you venture north either. Situated in Columbus, 1400 Food Lab is an ideal venue for business events since it is “something different and more interactive,” says Karen Chrestay, the general manager.
1400 Food Lab is a commercial kitchen, production and event space for rent designed to help aspiring food entrepreneurs, professional chefs and food enthusiasts. It offers weekly open house tours to showcase the features and equipment Food Lab has to offer local businesses—no appointment necessary.
Contrary to the hotel ballroom environment other venues may offer, small businesses are welcomed into a formal dining room at the 1400 Food Lab.
The main dining room normally seats 50 guests, although it’s possible to accommodate up to 155 guests by opening other areas of the facility. “Overall, there is a very industrial feel to the space,” Chrestay explains.
1400 Food Lab is no stranger to holding private business events at its Dublin Road location, as it often hosts companies for corporate team-building days, cooking competitions and private cooking classes just to name a few.
“All of our events are customized,” Chrestay says. “We work really closely with the contact person to see what they are looking for.”
Businesses based in the Glass City looking to book a venue for corporate functions should consider the historical Oliver House. First opening its doors in 1859 as a pre-Civil War hotel, the Oliver House is now the home of Toledo’s very own Maumee Bay Brewing Company. Seven private lobbies and rooms can be rented, offering a variety of unique event spaces for groups as small as 20 and as big as 250. Rental room fees vary from $75 to $1,800, allowing any business to book a venue no matter their budget.
L’Ambiance Banquet Hall, equipped with a full kitchen, bar and liquor license, is another option for businesses in the surrounding Toledo area. This large, multi-purpose facility is perfect for corporate retreats, conferences and other private events. Boasting 4,000 total square feet and a maximum capacity of 230 guests in its largest room, L’Ambiance Banquet Hall is sure to add a touch of class to a business’ day away from the office.
